Classic carols kids love
| Song | Best for | Bible connection |
|---|---|---|
| Away in a Manger | Preschool–K | Luke 2:7 |
| Silent Night | All ages (verse 1 for little ones) | Luke 2:8–14 |
| Joy to the World | Elementary+ | Psalm 98 |
| O Come, All Ye Faithful | Elementary+ | Luke 2:15 |
| Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | Upper elementary+ | Luke 2:13–14 |
| Go, Tell It on the Mountain | All ages, great with motions | Luke 2:17 |
| The First Noel | Upper elementary+ | Luke 2; Matthew 2 |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem | Upper elementary+ | Micah 5:2 |
| Angels We Have Heard on High | All ages (the "Gloria" chorus!) | Luke 2:14 |
Tips
- Teach one new carol a week in December and review the others.
- Add simple motions: rock the baby, point up for the star, kneel for "come let us adore Him."
- Before each song, read the matching verse so kids know why we sing it.
Original VBS HQ Christmas songs with motion videos are in production.
Frequently asked questions
What Christmas songs are good for preschoolers at church?
Away in a Manger and Silent Night (first verse) are slow and simple. Add hand motions, like rocking a baby and pointing to a star.
Are classic Christmas carols free to use?
The traditional carols listed here are old enough to be in the public domain in the United States. Some modern arrangements and recordings are copyrighted, so use the traditional words and your own accompaniment.
How many songs should a kids Christmas program have?
Three or four songs mixed with a skit or scripture reading keeps a children's program around 20 minutes.